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🤧 Acute Sinusitis (Sinus Infection) – Internist Family Geriatrics Physician PCP Georgetown TX

  • Writer: Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
    Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
  • 19 hours ago
  • 4 min read

🌟 Understanding Sinus Infections

A sinus infection (also called acute sinusitis) happens when the air-filled spaces around your nose and eyes become inflamed and swollen—often after a cold or allergies. The swelling blocks mucus drainage, creating pressure, pain, and congestion.

At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we help patients breathe easier through accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment, and guidance that keeps sinus infections from coming back.


🔎 Causes of Sinus Infections

Most cases of sinusitis start with a simple cold—but sometimes bacteria join in. Common causes include:

  • 🦠 Viral infections (like the common cold)

  • 🤧 Allergies – seasonal or year-round

  • 💨 Irritants – cigarette smoke, pollution, strong odors

  • 👃 Nasal polyps or deviated septum – block drainage

  • 🧫 Bacterial infections – less common but more severe

🚨 Symptoms to Watch For

  • 😫 Facial pressure or pain (especially around cheeks, eyes, or forehead)

  • 🤧 Stuffy or runny nose with thick discharge

  • 😵 Headache that worsens when bending forward

  • 🤒 Low-grade fever or fatigue

  • 👃 Reduced sense of smell

  • 💬 Postnasal drip or sore throat

⚠️ Risks of Untreated Sinusitis

Ignoring sinus symptoms can cause complications such as:

  • Chronic sinus infections

  • Spread of infection to nearby tissues

  • Sleep problems from congestion

  • Recurrent headaches or fatigue


🧬 What’s Happening in the Sinuses (Pathophysiology) by Internist Family Geriatrics Physician PCP Georgetown TX

When viruses or bacteria inflame the sinus lining, the tissue swells and traps mucus inside. The blocked drainage creates pressure and pain. In bacterial sinusitis, thick yellow or green mucus and fever are more common.


🌱 Lifestyle & Home Remedies

If your infection is mild, you can often start improving symptoms at home:

  • 💧 Stay hydrated – thins mucus for easier drainage

  • 🌡️ Use a warm compress – relieves pressure

  • 🧴 Saline nasal sprays – moisturize and rinse sinuses

  • 🛌 Rest well – your body heals best with sleep

  • 🧘 Humidify your air – prevents dryness and irritation

  • 🚭 Avoid smoke or strong odors


💊 Medical Treatment Options

At Wellness Bay Primary Care, your Internist Family Geriatrics Physician PCP Georgetown TX will evaluate your symptoms and decide if further care is needed. Treatment options may include:

  • 💊 Decongestants or antihistamines for temporary relief

  • 🌿 Steroid nasal sprays to reduce swelling

  • 💉 Antibiotics (only when bacterial infection is confirmed)

  • 💨 Allergy management to prevent recurrences

👉 In most cases, sinus infections clear up within 7–10 days with proper care. Antibiotics are reserved for persistent or severe bacterial cases—never for common colds.


🩺 How We Can Help at Wellness Bay

As a trusted primary care clinic in Georgetown, we take time to find the real cause behind your symptoms. We:

  • Examine nasal passages and sinuses carefully

  • Rule out allergies, infections, or structural causes

  • Offer same-day visits for worsening symptoms

  • Provide both medical and natural care options

  • Educate patients on prevention and long-term sinus health

Our goal is simple — help you breathe comfortably again without unnecessary antibiotics or repeat infections.


❓ Top 10 FAQs About Sinus Infections

  1. How do I know if it’s viral or bacterial?👉 Viral infections improve in 7–10 days; bacterial ones linger or worsen after the first week.

  2. When should I see a doctor?👉 If symptoms last >10 days, worsen after initial improvement, or include high fever.

  3. Can allergies cause sinusitis?👉 Yes—chronic allergies inflame nasal tissue and lead to infections.

  4. Are antibiotics always needed?👉 No—most sinus infections are viral and resolve without antibiotics.

  5. What’s the best home remedy?👉 Steam inhalation, saline rinses, and hydration.

  6. Can sinusitis cause tooth pain?👉 Yes, especially upper molars, due to pressure in the maxillary sinuses.

  7. What’s the difference between acute and chronic sinusitis?👉 Acute lasts up to 4 weeks; chronic persists >12 weeks.

  8. Can it spread to my ears?👉 Yes, untreated sinus infections can sometimes cause ear pressure or infection.

  9. Do sinus infections recur?👉 They can, especially with allergies or nasal structure issues.

  10. How can I prevent sinus infections?👉 Treat colds early, manage allergies, stay hydrated, and avoid irritants.


👩‍⚕️ When to See a Doctor

Seek care if you experience:

  • Fever over 101°F

  • Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days

  • Worsening facial pain or pressure

  • Vision changes or severe headaches

📍 At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we provide compassionate care for sinus infections—helping you recover quickly and prevent future episodes with an individualized plan.


💬 Let’s Keep You Healthy, Together

The Medicare Wellness Visit is your chance to pause, plan, and protect your future health. At Wellness Bay Primary Care, we make this visit meaningful, respectful, and centered on you.

📍 Visit us at 4887 Williams Dr Ste 107, Georgetown TX

📞 Call 512.588.7008 or📲 Book online


Proudly, our Internal Medicine Primary Care Practice is Accepting new patients From:

Georgetown, Sun City, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Florence, Jarrell, Taylor, Hutto, Pflugerville, North Austin, Brushy Creek, Temple, Harker Heights, Bartram, Lampasas, Killeen, Lago Vista, and surrounding areas across Williamson County and North Austin TX


📍 Related Links


Internist Family Geriatrics Physician PCP Georgetown TX

 
 
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